May 31
Pentecost

     One day, after Jesus had gone to heaven, the disciples were all together in a house where they were staying in Jerusalem. It was a feast day for the Jews, the feast of Pentecost, when the first fruits of the harvest are offered to God. 

     Suddenly, a loud sound filled the house. It sounded like the wind on a stormy day. Something that looked like candle flames appeared, and rested on each one of them. At that moment, the Holy Spirit entered into them. They began to speak in different languages, that they hadn’t known before.

     There were Jews from many countries visiting Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. When they heard a sound like a violent wind coming from the house where the disciples were staying, they gathered around. When the disciples ran out of the house, speaking in many languages, the Jewish visitors were amazed!

     “How did these men learn so many languages?” they asked. “We are from many foreign places, but we each hear these men speaking the language of our own country!”

     “They’re probably drunk,” said others, shaking their heads.

     Then Peter spoke up. “We’re not drunk,” he said. “For heaven’s sake, it’s only 9:00 o’clock in the morning. We’ve been filled with the Holy Spirit – just like it says in the scriptures.

     Then Peter told them who Jesus was – the Messiah, the Savior. He told them that God had raised Jesus from the dead, and that he was in Heaven with God. 

     “This is the same Jesus whom you crucified!” he said.

     The Jews felt terrible. “What can we do?” they asked Peter.

     “Tell God you’re sorry for your sins,” said Peter. “Be baptized in the name of Jesus and your sins will be forgiven. You will receive the gift of the Holy spirit. This is true for every single person who believes. For people living today, and for people who will live in the future.

     Those who believed were baptized – about three thousand people. Before they returned to their own countries, the learned all they could from the disciples. It was a joyful time. They were like a family hanging out together, sharing meals and praying.

     I wonder if you feel different when you’re filled with the Holy Spirit?

     I wonder why the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the gift of speaking in different languages?

     When the Jerusalem returned to their own countries, I wonder how many people they told about Jesus?

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     I wonder how many more people came to believe in Jesus?

Sharing Our Gifts

Our mission team invite you to make an extra offering supporting local organizations  Ecumenical Hunger Program, the Mountain View Day Worker Center, and the homeless outreach and services organization Life Moves.  All are serving increased need during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Please give generously, using the button below to visit our online portal or by mailing a check to the church office. Use the memo field of your check or the Notes box in the online giving form to designate special mission offerings.